Kitchen, Garden And Pantry Tips To Transition Hair And Skin From Summer To Fall

Perhaps you’ve spent the season swimming and diving in a chlorinated pool, riding the waves, running a 10k or two, sailing, cycling or blading. But even if your idea of the perfect summer has been a big blanket and bucket of sand at the shore with your bff, chances are your hair and skin have paid the price.

Months of heat, humidity, chemicals, hot winds, salt and sweat can take their toll on even the healthiest locks, limbs and lips. Without investing a lot in commercial products that claim to cure the ravages of summer, fruits, vegetables and home remedies found right in the kitchen, garden or pantry can go a long way in restoring hair and skin’s natural balance. While some are more common than others, most are right at hand with results that may surprise you and are well worth a try. Chances are your great-grandmother knew about keeping hair and skin healthy this way, and now you can too.

For Hair

While many have heard of using olive oil for condition and shine, believe it or not adding mashed banana to make a paste can put the luster and elasticity back in dull, dry hair. Apply the paste and comb through, letting the mixture do its magic for up to an hour. Shampoo well, followed by your regular conditioner, if desired.

Ketchup has properties that have been known to neutralize greenish tones that occur in blonde hair exposed to chlorine. Shampoo, apply ketchup, and comb through, allowing to remain on hair for up to 45 minutes. Rinse well, and bear in mind the treatment may need to be repeated over several shampoos to be completely effective.

Reported to be “frizz tamers,” eggs with their natural fatty acids can also restore shimmer to dry, summer-baked hair. Combine egg yolk with olive oil and some water and apply as you would any conditioner after shampooing (best if left on for 15 minutes). Rinse well.

If your hair appears coarse and lacks natural oils, adding protein in the form of avocado (which also has vitamins B6 and E) can help. Try mashing an avocado with mayonnaise for a truly rich, nourishing mask. Comb through and cover with a shower cap, plastic bag or warm, damp towel for 45 minutes, followed by a shampoo, thorough rinse and some ordinary conditioner if desired.

If scalp is dry and flakey from hot sun and air, or color processing, combine 1/3 cup dry oatmeal with water to make a paste. Apply to hair and comb through, leaving on for at least 10 minutes. Shampoo, condition and rinse well. This can also be done with ¼ cup of baking soda instead of oatmeal. Note: Be aware that baking soda can lighten color-treated hair a shade or so.

For skin

Summer weather and sports can result in dry patches on elbows, knees and other places. To exfoliate, mix two cups of Epsom salts with olive oil. Rub over rough, dry patches—and/or entire body—in the shower and rinse well. Apply moisturizer.

Sea salt is also an excellent exfoliator. Apply to face and lips with a little water and massage gently (can use a face cloth if desired). Rinse and pat dry. Can also be used as an all-over scrub in shower. Be sure to apply moisturizer.

To soothe sunburn, windburn and help regain your skin’s lost moisture, mix a few drops of orange juice with a teaspoon of honey. Apply to face as a mask for 20 minutes. The vitamin C in the orange juice also helps stimulate collagen production.

Oranges and other citrus fruit are also excellent toners for skin made extra oily by summer’s heat and humidity. In blender, put ½ an orange, 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice and ¼ cup water. Apply with cotton balls and wipe thoroughly.

For a glowing face and to help alleviate dryness and restore softness, mix a little rice flour with yogurt and a teaspoon of lime juice. Apply mask to face for about 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.